Buying second-hand products reduces over-production, waste, and carbon emissions while saving you money. There are many shops (both physical and digital) that offer excellent second-hand items, including: OfferUp and LetGo. Some major retailers, like Patagonia, also offer recycled products for purchase. Learn more and find similar activities.

THE BUZZ…

Most Americans agree that we’d like the government to do more to protect air and water, and mitigate climate change…

Although it seems impossible, a majority of Americans actually agree that the government should do more to protect the environment. According to a recent Pew study, 69% of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to safeguard water quality, while 64% say the government isn’t doing enough to protect air quality. Two-thirds of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to mitigate the effects of climate change, and a majority support renewable energy. Although there are wide political divides across the issues (and on any questions dealing with policy and regulation), it seems the majority of us agree on more than we think. Even young Republicans are beginning to diverge from their older counterparts in support of climate change mitigation and renewable energy expansion efforts. #NotFakeNews

By next year, Bitcoin will consume more energy than all the world’s solar panels can produce…

This is extremely troubling and disappointing news from a product that should be driving progress and innovation. By the end of the year, Bitcoin is expected to consume 0.5% of the world’s energy – the same amount consumed by the Netherlands. If the current trajectory continues, by late next year, Bitcoin will consume more energy than all the world’s solar panels can produce. As concerned inhabitants of this planet, we must demand that Bitcoin do better.

More US states take action to combat climate change…

Connecticut passed a sweeping bill to reign in coastal development and establish pollution targets in an effort to curb sea level rise due to climate change.

Alaska is becoming one of the first deep-red states to pass measures aimed at combatting climate change. As Alaska is already seeing dramatic effects of global warming, politicians have said it’s a problem that’s ‘impossible to ignore.’

Minneapolis recently announced the goal to become 100% renewable by 2030. This makes it the 65th state to adopt a fully renewable goal.

Other nations continue leading the way in combatting climate change…

Recently, Costa Rica announced plans to ban fossil fuels in an effort to become the world’s first decarbonized society. Costa Rica’s president, Carlos Alvarado, plans to begin implementing this plan in 2021, the 200th anniversary of Costa Rica’s independence.

Last Monday, the UK broke yet another solar generation record. At its peak, solar provided 25% of the country’s entire demand, thus making it the second largest power source at that time of day. Combined with wind (10%) and nuclear (18%), low-carbon sources made up more than half of the UK’s entire energy demand around noon.

EYE ON CARBON CAPTURE

Carbon capture is the act of sucking CO2 out of the air, and repurposing it for use in things like carbonated beverages and greenhouses. Although the technology is still somewhat in its infancy, if we can find a way to do this on a large scale, it will buy us time to transition to renewable energy sources. If you’re interested in learning more, check out Global Thermostat, a company that is diligently working to make carbon capture viable on a large scale.